Commission candidate announces complaint against another commissioner

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. -- A candidate for St. Johns County Commission has announced she filed a complaint against a sitting county commissioner.

Kim Kendall is running for St. Johns County Commission, District 2, and Tuesday she announced she filed a complaint with the Florida Elections Commission against St. Johns County Commissioner Rachel Bennett of District 5.

Kendall said Bennett used her county email account to send emails to voters which said "When it comes time to vote, please remember that understanding land regulations, verification of assumptions, and dissemination of accurate and true information is part of what makes a county commissioner an asset to the community at large. Credibility is important."

Kendall said she believes Bennett was referring to her and that Bennett violated a state statute.

"I believe and under Florida State Statute, you can't use your title or position to influence or coerce another person's vote," Kendall said.

First Coast News called the Florida Elections Commission to confirm the complaint had been filed. A spokesperson for the Florida Elections Commission said she could not confirm or deny receipt of the complaint until a finding is determined.

Kendall said she is not currently providing copies of the complaint she filed.

Rachael Bennett was at a St. Johns County Commission meeting for most of Tuesday. The County's attorney, Patrick McCormack said, "The commissioner has not had an opportunity to review the filed complaint. I would expect after the complaint is provided to her that at some point she may have a statement."

This issue between the two women started because of their views regarding the future of gated communities in St. Johns County.